Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss in children. Which characteristic feature of CMV-associated hearing loss distinguishes it from other causes?
- A Always bilateral and symmetric, detected at birth on universal newborn hearing screen
- B Always associated with severe intellectual disability
- C May be delayed onset, progressive, and fluctuating; can pass initial newborn hearing screen ✓
- D Predominantly low-frequency (reverse-slope) audiometric pattern
Explanation
CMV-associated hearing loss is unique in that approximately 50% of symptomatic and up to 10–15% of asymptomatic congenital CMV cases have delayed-onset hearing loss that may not be present at birth and therefore can pass the universal newborn hearing screen. The loss can be unilateral or bilateral, asymmetric, progressive, and fluctuating. This necessitates audiological monitoring of CMV-positive infants through early childhood even with an initial pass on the newborn screen. Antiviral therapy (valganciclovir) in the neonatal period for symptomatic CMV can stabilize hearing.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.